MANOMETERS

A somewhat more complicated device for measuring fluid pressure consists of a bent tube containing one or
more liquid of different specific gravities. Such a device is known as manometer.

In using a manometer, generally a known pressure (which may be atmospheric) is applied to one end of the
manometer tube and the unknown pressure to be determined is applied to the other end.

In some cases, however, the difference between pressure at ends of the manometer tube is desired rather
than the actual pressure at the either end. A manometer to determine this differential pressure is known as
differential pressure manometer.

The maximum value of P1 - P2 is limited by the height of the manometer. To measure larger pressure
differences we can choose a manometer with higher density, and to measure smaller pressure differences
with accuracy we can choose a manometer fluid which is having a density closer to the fluid density.

Inverted U - tube Manometer

Two fluid U-tube Manometer

Small differences in pressure in gases are often measured with

a manometer of the form shown in the figure.

The manometer in its various forms is an extremely useful type of pressure measuring instrument, but suffers
from a number of limitations.
 While it can be adapted to measure very small pressure differences, it can not be used conveniently for large
pressure differences - although it is possible to connect a number of manometers in series and to use
mercury as the manometric fluid to improve the range. (limitation)

A manometer does not have to be calibrated against any standard; the pressure difference can be calculated
from first principles. ( Advantage)

Some liquids are unsuitable for use because they do not form well-defined menisci. Surface tension can also
cause errors due to capillary rise; this can be avoided if the diameters of the tubes are sufficiently large -
preferably not less than 15 mm diameter. (limitation)

A major disadvantage of the manometer is its slow response, which makes it unsuitable for measuring
fluctuating pressures.(limitation)

It is essential that the pipes connecting the manometer to the pipe or vessel containing the liquid under
pressure should be filled with this liquid and there should be no air bubbles in the liquid.(important point to
be kept in mind)

PASCALS LAW

It states that the pressure or intensity of pressure at a point in a static fluid is equal in all directions.

Source : http://mediatoget.blogspot.in/2011/11/manometers.html